GREAT Morning Revolution

Tara Beth Leach is a pastor, preacher of the Word, and a writer. She is the senior pastor at Good Shepherd Church in Naperville, IL. She previously served as senior pastor of First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena (“PazNaz”) in Southern California. She is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University and Northern Theological Seminary. She is the author of Emboldened, Radiant Church, and Forty Days on Being a Six. Outside of her home church duties, she speaks widely at conferences, retreats, and universities across America on Church Leadership, Women in Ministry, and the call to be a Radiant Witness. Tara Beth has two rambunctious sons and has been married to Jeff since 2006.

• Table of Contents: Chapter 1: Joy Comes in the Morning This chapter explores the promise of renewal and hope that each morning brings. This captures my person story that began in the frigid Illinois winter, I found myself yearning for the hope that once filled my sunny California mornings, before the cascade of personal tragedies began. As I faced the grief of losing my father and witnessing my mother's decline with dementia, I realized my identity as a pastor and the joy of mornings had slipped away. Yet, in this wilderness, a holy whisper urged me to rise with purpose, challenging my long-held belief that I was not a morning person. Adopting a new ritual of early rising for scripture, reflection, and prayer, I discovered the transformative power of mornings by rising with God and purpose. This chapter is my call reader to join me in this journey, to seek the Lord's presence at dawn and find the strength that each new day holds. Chapter 2: Unlocking the Morning Routine In this chapter, readers will discover the key elements that make up a powerful morning routine. This chapter is an affirmation that anyone can become a morning person, transforming early hours from survival to a sacred space of clarity and mission. It's a practical guide that shows how structuring the first moments of the day can impact one’s relationship with God and purpose of the day. Chapter 3: Lord, Teach us to Pray Focusing on the spiritual discipline of prayer, this chapter examines the teachings of Jesus on prayer, exploring its depth and richness. This sets up the remaining prayer practices by framing up the purpose and meaning of prayer. It offers insights into developing a prayerful attitude upon waking and incorporating prayer into the fabric of the morning, creating a dialogue with the divine as the foundation of the day. Chapter 4: Gratitude Gratitude moves beyond thankfulness; it’s a way of perceiving the world. Gratitude begins with God and flows from God’s presence. This chapter guides readers through the practice of starting each day with a grateful heart, recognizing the blessings that are often overlooked. It discusses the benefits of gratitude on mental and spiritual health and offers exercises to cultivate an attitude of gratitude that begin at first watch through prayer, journaling, or scripture reading. Chapter 5: Reflection The Christian practice of reflection is a contemplative act where individuals pause to consider their lives in the light of God's presence and teachings. Following gratitude, the invitation is to move to introspection, examining one's thoughts, actions, and motivations before a holy and gracious God. Through reflection, believers seek to understand the workings of God in their lives and acknowledge areas needing growth or repentance. Reflection in the Christian tradition is not just about self-examination but about transformation, as it invites the Holy Spirit to guide and shape the believer's heart and mind. Chapter 6: Exalt Exaltation, or the act of lifting high, is central to the experience of connecting with God. This chapter encourages readers to dedicate part of their morning to worship and praise, finding ways to honor God’s goodness and presence in their lives. It discusses the transformative power of worship as a daily practice through possible means like worship music, scripture reading, prayer walking in nature, or journaling praises. Chapter 7: Ask Scripture reminds us that we can boldly approach God – God hears our prayers and invites us to ask according to his will. Asking is an act of expressing our needs and desires to God. This chapter discusses the importance of presenting our requests to God each morning, aligning our will with God’s, and opening ourselves up to the possibilities and guidance that come from seeking God’s leading. Chapter 8: Trust Trust is an act of surrender, resolve, and closure. To trust is to submit and abide to God’s will. Trust in God sets the

'If God's mercies are truly 'new every morning,' as we read in Lamentations--and they are--then every morning offers an invitation to encounter and experience anew the goodness and grace of God. In The GREAT Morning Revolution, my friend Tara Beth Leach offers us the gift of her wisdom and warmth as she guides us into the beautiful daily rhythm of sinking deeply into the presence of Love.'